See our flyer(pdf) for pictures of what you can put in your food and yard waste cart

Food and yard waste service is required for all households of 1-4 units as of September 15, 2012. Rates vary, depending on the level of service you choose. See Rates, Containers & Quantities. Yard debris - such as leaves, grass, and plant trimmings - are not allowed in your garbage.

Starting January 1, 2015, the City of Seattle will no longer allow food and compostable paper, including food-soiled pizza boxes, paper napkins and paper towels, in the garbage. Starting January 1, 2016 fines will be issued to businesses and residents whose garbage containers contain too much food or recyclables.

Collection schedule

Food and yard waste is collected weekly, on the same day as your garbage. Collection is normal on all holidays except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. Following each of those holidays, service will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week.